New Jersey has dozens of state parks, each amazing in their own way. Now that warmer weather is here, it’s the perfect time to start exploring them. I featured one of my favorite South Jersey parks in a previous article; this article features one of the most incredible parks in North Jersey – Ringwood State Park.
The 5000-acre park is home to not one, but TWO historic mansions.
Flickr/mpgulley Pictured above is Ringwood Manor, a former summer estate for wealthy ironmasters Peter Cooper and Abram S. Hewitt and their families. It now operates as a museum and is available for tours.
Wikipedia/Mwanner The second estate is the incredible Castle At Skylands Manor. Tours of this home are also available, though on a more limited schedule. It is often used as an event venue and serves as a surprisingly affordable bed & breakfast.
New Jersey Botanical Gardens
Flickr/tciriello The park is also home to the beautiful New Jersey Botanical Gardens. The 96-acre site features a variety of garden areas including Crab Apple Allée, pictured.
Shepherd Lake Recreation Area
Flickr/Bob Jagendorf Recreational activities available vary by season and include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fishing, swimming, boating and hiking. There is also a skeet shooting range on the property.
Ramapo Mountains
Flickr/Patsy Wooters To top it all off, the park is surrounded by the stunning Ramapo Mountains and offers special events and activities including guided hikes, wildlife walks, and birding tours - regularly available for free!
So, do you think Ringwood State Park is worth a visit? I say it’s truly spectacular during any season. What are your favorite New Jersey State Parks, and why?
Flickr/mpgulley
Pictured above is Ringwood Manor, a former summer estate for wealthy ironmasters Peter Cooper and Abram S. Hewitt and their families. It now operates as a museum and is available for tours.
Wikipedia/Mwanner
The second estate is the incredible Castle At Skylands Manor. Tours of this home are also available, though on a more limited schedule. It is often used as an event venue and serves as a surprisingly affordable bed & breakfast.
Flickr/tciriello
The park is also home to the beautiful New Jersey Botanical Gardens. The 96-acre site features a variety of garden areas including Crab Apple Allée, pictured.
Flickr/Bob Jagendorf
Recreational activities available vary by season and include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fishing, swimming, boating and hiking. There is also a skeet shooting range on the property.
Flickr/Patsy Wooters
To top it all off, the park is surrounded by the stunning Ramapo Mountains and offers special events and activities including guided hikes, wildlife walks, and birding tours - regularly available for free!
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